Peru is an ancient state with amazing colonial traditions. The land of the Incas will take all travelers a few centuries ago to that lost civilization that has preserved a great historical and cultural heritage to our era.
The capital of Peru is called the most unusual city, the whole point is that a huge number of people of different races and nationalities live here, practically do not speak English. So, it's time to tell where Lima is and give a description of the main attractions of the largest metropolis.
Ancient capital
The largest city of Peru is located in the coastal part of the country. Located at the foot of the majestic Andes and washed by the Pacific Ocean, the capital of the republic is considered a political and cultural center that has absorbed the features of both modern and colonial culture. The city, which has preserved the unique flavor of ancient history, was founded in 1535.
Native American tribes living in the territory where Lima is currently located have repeatedly revolted against the conquerors. However, the founded settlement, originally called the “city of kings”, grew steadily and even bore the title of capital of the Viceroyalty of Spain.
Long awaited independence
Lima, which has become the place of residence of aristocrats, literally flourishes before our eyes: luxurious residences compete with each other in external decoration, the palaces built amaze with special sophistication and magnificence. The capital is gradually turning into the most influential city in Spanish America. Three hundred years Lima was colonial possession, until in 1821 the Republic of Peru received the long-awaited status of independence, at the same time the cultural center becomes the capital of a free state, this is where the residence of the government and president of the country is located.
Judging objectively, after gaining independence, the republic experiences enormous difficulties, and frequent financial crises do not add stability to the state. According to experts, only in 1993 did the rise in the economy of Peru begin, and now the situation is called more or less stable.
Lima - the capital of Peru: climate description
The city, famous for its developed tourist infrastructure, is known for its climate, which is influenced by its close proximity to the ocean and its proximity to the desert. In general, it can be called comfortable, but very changeable. The bright sun and cloudless days will give wonderful moments of relaxation from December to March - April.
The rest of the year, tourists can be disappointed by the impending heavy fogs arising from ocean evaporation, which are called "Garua". Cloudy weather without precipitation, but with high humidity, few people find it pleasant. On sunny days, the temperature reaches 28 ° C, and from May to November does not rise above 14 ° C.
Most tourists are not scared, and they enjoy amazing sights all year round. Perhaps many do not know that where Lima is located, its location above sea level creates ideal atmospheric pressure, due to which the perception of even not the most pleasant weather conditions is softened. It is necessary to warn that the capital, built a kilometer above the ocean, is not suitable for lovers to splash in the warm waves, but it is loved by surfers who come to the rocky coast from around the globe.
The old part of the metropolis
The city, founded by the Spanish conquistador F. Pizarro, impresses with the architecture of the old center, called the indigenous population of Limenos. Perfectly preserved over the past centuries, it harmoniously combines the strict style of colonial Spain with a unique Native American. Listed more than 20 years ago in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the historical part is a small town that remembers the times of the Inquisition and military parades. And all the streets are built in such a way that they intersect strictly at right angles.
Lima, the history, the sights of which are considered in this article, surprises visitors with ancient palaces, giving a unique flavor to the area that breathes history. The open-air architectural museum houses the Government Palace and the city's municipality.
The main square of the historical center is considered the very place where the Peruvian capital was born. During colonial rule, not only was there a lively trade, this place became an arena for bullfights and hanged criminals recognized by the Inquisition there. At the end of the 16th century, the first magnificent fountain, which the original city is famous to this day, was erected on the Arms Square, as it is now called.
Lima, attractions: what to see?
Everyone who visits Lima for the first time needs to see amazing museums, rightfully considered the most extraordinary in the world. Vivid expositions will allow everyone to make a journey through time.
The unique Museum of Ceramics named after R. L. Herrera keeps an ancient collection of Peru, not yet conquered by the Spaniards. Realistic statuettes and magnificent vessels of the age of the Indian culture of Mochika tell about the life of people living in Lima. The museum, divided into several sections, is especially famous for ceramic products with an erotic hint, and the total number of exhibits exceeds 45 thousand.
Another interesting museum located in a picturesque palace will tell about the birth of the city, and numerous exhibits will demonstrate the life of the ancient Indians living in the territory where Lima is now. The Museum of Archeology and Anthropology will take everyone to those centuries when dishes were made from clay, and the sacred obelisks-monoliths were covered with carvings, which are unraveled to this day. The priceless legacy of bygone civilizations will allow you to feel the breath of time.
Museum of gold
The Gold Museum is called the real "cornucopia" of jewelry and jewelry. These are truly stunning collections of all the Inca's myriad wealth. A striking sight will delight primarily the beautiful half of humanity, who will forget about everything, looking at the luxuriously made earrings, rings and necklaces.
Gold and silver jewelry with inserts of pearls, lapis lazuli and emerald will delight you with the craftsmanship of the hands that created such a miracle. Men will not have to be bored in the halls - they will be frozen by the magnificence of the huge weapons collection collected from around the globe.
Archaeological secrets
The capital of Peru - the city of Lima - has absorbed the culture of various eras. The most ancient city on the planet is located near the historical center of the republic, in the desert terrain there are sand dunes recognized as the ruins of the Caral settlement. Erected 5 thousand years ago, a local attraction, attracting tourists from all over the world, is striking in its enormous age and special design complexity.
Another representative of a bygone civilization is the Pachacamac complex, located in the very center of Lima. Religious ceremonies were held here by the Indians for several centuries, but after the conquest of the territory by the Spaniards, this place lost its sacred significance. The archaeological complex consists of amazing buildings of temples and pyramids, erected from unburnt clay. Now, next to the site of ancient excavations, there is a museum telling about the amazing finds and remains found by scientists.
Fountain complex
The whole world is famous for its grandiose fountain park, built recently, the city of Lima is the capital of Peru. The sights of this complex, recognized as the largest on the globe, are even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The pompous structure, which includes 13 fountains, is considered by many to be inappropriate in a city surrounded on all sides by poor neighborhoods.
But we must admit the grandeur of the interactive park, in which water jets, synchronized with the musical accompaniment, are thrown up to 80 meters in height. A daily laser show, striking in its scale, is held for visitors to the city.
